Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art that was developed over 400 years ago by enslaved Africans and their descendants as a means of self defense while escaping to their freedom. Initially, capoeira was unable to be practiced out in the open in the presence of slave owners. After centuries of being practiced in secret it was finally recognized as a self defense and was outlawed by the authorities. In the 1930's the Brazilian government finally allowed the capoeiristas to practice free, in the open. Through the efforts of Mestre Bimba, Mestre Pastinha, and others the art of capoeira began to flourish in Brazil.
By the end of the 20th century capoeira was being practiced on almost every continent throughout the world. Capoeiristas from many countries are regularly practicing their art in order to better become students, players, profesores (professors), and Mestres (masters). In 1975 Mestre Jelon began teaching the art in the United States. He was the first capoeira Mestre to teach Americans in New York. A few years later Mestre Acordeon began teaching in the San Francisco Bay area. In 1984 Marcelo Pereira (Mestre Caveirinha) came to the United States and settled in Oakland, CA. One of Mestre Suassuna's top students, he created the group Capoeira Mandinga in Berkeley, CA. Today there are branches of Mandinga all over the world.
Capoeira Music
The music in Capoeira is just as important as the movements and understanding of the game itself. The songs that are sung, instruments that are played, and energy that comes from the music are all an essential part when training and playing Capoeira.
The rhythms created by the instruments denote what "style" and pace of Capoeira is to be done at that specific time and the songs follow in conjunction. Some songs describe the history of Capoeira and its great players, while others are meant to stir up the energy.
Here are short descriptions of the 3 main instruments of Capoeira and pictures:
Listen to audio samples in our Media section!
Berimbau: The main instrument and one of the symbols of Capoeira. It's rhythm leads all of the games during the roda and signifies the tempo of the game. It consists of a piece of biriba wood (verga), a steel string (arame), a hollowed-out gourd (cabaça), a stone or coin (dobrão), and a stick to hit the wire (baqueta). The berimbau is also played using a shaker (caxixi).
Atabaque: A large drum made of natural wood and animal skin stretched over the top. This instrument holds the capoeira beat. It can be played standing or sitting. Sometimes conga or similar drums are used in its place.
Pandeiro: A Brazilian tambourine that is used to play capoeira beats and other rhythms like samba. It differs from a regular tambourine in size and amount of cymbals. | 
